Daniel Castellanos, MD, Shares Tips on Combatting Election Anxiety
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The uncertainty of the upcoming election is weighing heavily on many in the Valley and across the nation. We asked Daniel Castellanos, MD, founding associate dean for Graduate Medical Education and professor of psychiatry at Creighton University School of Medicine in Phoenix, how we can nurture our well-being during this stressful time.
How can we prepare ourselves ahead of the election?
Castellanos: Experts anticipate that, considering the number of mail-in ballots, the winner of the 2024 presidential election will not be announced until after the evening of November 5. You can prepare yourself ahead of the election by reminding yourself that you will likely go to bed that night without knowing the results.
Why do you think election season is particularly overwhelming these days?
Castellanos: Politics and elections can produce existential threats. The ever-increasing media exposure can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed. Increasingly charged conversations with friends and relatives can also produce additional stress during this time.
How does election anxiety affect us?
Castellanos: Stress and anxiety are different, but they can produce similar changes in how we feel, how we think, how we behave and how we interact with others with others. Election anxiety can develop before or after an election, and it can even persist. It can ultimately impact our relationships, our work, our health and several other aspects of our daily functioning.
What are your top 3 tips for prioritizing mental health during election season?
Castellanos:
- Know yourself. Reflection is important during this time, so know your vulnerabilities and your anxiety triggers.
- Examine individual coping strategies. Recall what strategies helped you in the past and how you can catch yourself if you find yourself feeling anxious.
- Establish structural coping strategies. Digital timeouts can be helpful, as they limit your exposure to election coverage. You can elicit the help of a buddy, who can support you during times of stress and anxiety.
